Scenery and Sunny Weather
South Africa's gorgeous West Coast is a world-renowned kite-boarding and wind-surfing destination. The unique estuary at Langebaan, as well as the expansive Saldanha Bay, rate as the main draw cards to wind sport enthusiasts, offering both safe sailing and consistent wind conditions.
They are joined by sea kayakers and fishermen, all revelling in the breathtaking scenery and sunny weather. Windsurfing and kite-boarding are, like surfing, soul sports. You are out 'cruising' all by yourself and the only thing that matters is being in the moment.
Langebaan Lagoon, with its shallow estuary, is ideal for both beginners and high speed, flat-water blasting. Within 15 minutes from the village, there are a range of spots offering incredible wave sailing and strong, steady winds. Book your lessons in advance; courses are presented every day from mid-September through to end of March. You will learn the ropes on the protected lagoon where constant wind is basically guaranteed every day.
Places of Particular Interest
The Cape West Coast can be split into two sections, covering the Western Cape and the Northern Cape. The Western Cape section is by far the easiest, although the exact route depends to some extent on your wheels - whether you've got eight (2x4) or 16 (4x4).
You can start at Cape Town and make your way up the coast, going through Melkbosstrand, Yzerfontein, Langebaan and St Helena Bay. You'll then continue hugging the cold Atlantic coast to Elands Bay, Lambert's Bay, Doringbaai, Strandfontein and Papendorp.
Places of particular interest en route include the Strandloper, Muisbosskerm and Bosduifklip beach restaurants; Paternoster, Cape Columbine and Tietiesbaai; and the Verlorenvlei estuary and Bird Island.